Lauren's Story - Helplauren
Lauren's Story - Helplauren: "Why Lauren
Gratitude ROCKS!
There's a good story as to why choose Lauren to represent all these other children?
I interviewed dozens of young adults so I could get an idea of what they needed most. Out of all the kids I talked to, Lauren was unique. Not unique in circumstance but in attitude.
Most of the kids were fearful, apprehensive and not very trusting, understandably so, but not Lauren. I asked her why she was so happy and up beat. She told me about Mommy Jean, a lady she stayed with when she was 10.
Mommy Jean, told her that no matter how bad things are today there's always a better day tomorrow. She told her to be grateful for what you have today, because if you're not tomorrow will surely be worse.
Lauren reached into her pocket and pulled out an old rock and laid it on the table in front of her. She told me Mommy Jean gave it to her and told her this was a Gratitude Rock. Lauren said, Mommy Jean told her to carry the rock with her every day and each time she touched it or felt it in her pocket she had to think of something she was grateful for.
Lauren thought it was a bit strange and asked Mommy Jean if the rock was magical. Mommy Jean said it was just an ordinary rock that caused good things to come to those who remembered to be grateful.
Lauren carries this rock every day and every day she finds things and situations to be grateful for.
I have to tell you, at this point in the conversation, I'm fighting to restrain a whole gallon of tears, I made some lame excuse and left the room to get my composure back.
I thought, here's a young lady living in a County facility, her parents that didn't want her and she moves from place to place carrying all her belongings in a plastic trash bag. Top it all off, she's turning 18 in a few months and is going to be on her own, with no money, no job, no place to live.. .. and she still finds something to be GRATEFUL for every day, in fact several times a day! WOW!
I dried my eyes and went back in to finish our conversation.
After Lauren and I finished talking, we walked across the yard back to the reception area. As we approached the door with a big smile, Lauren said, I have present for you. She bent down and picked up a small rock and said here, this is your gratitude rock, carry it with you all the time and every time you touch it find something to be grateful for.
I carry that rock every day and each time I reach into my pocket and touch it I think of something or someone I'm grateful for.
Lauren and I have a gift for you, it's you very own gratitude rock. Carry this rock with you everyday and each time you touch it think of something or someone you're grateful for. Your life will become magical through the power of gratitude.
Thank You!
